Framing fastener for connecting construction support members

ABSTRACT

A framing fastener for connecting framing construction members providing multi-planar attachment surfaces which is made from a single piece of stock. The framing fastener is perfect for attaching a brace to a post or a beam. It is economically made from one piece of sheet metal stock and produces added strength because it is a single member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to the construction of frame structures of a building including a frame fastener by which a relatively unskilled workman can erect such frame structures in minimal time and with increased accuracy and superior strength. The framing fastener of the present invention can be used for connecting a brace to a post or beam. It can be made from a single piece of sheet metal stock comprising a stiff sheet having at least one flap and at least one opposing side surface extending from a central flat portion. To support a brace to a post or beam, the at least one flap can be bent and attached to a portion of the post, the central flat portion can be attached to a portion of the brace, and each of the at least one opposing side surface can be bent and attached to a side portion of the post, beam and brace.

[0002] Alternative technology is available in the form of a variety of construction brackets. U.S. Pat. No. 3,423,898 issued to Tracy et al. in 1969 for a roof framing system comprising a variety of adjustable brackets. U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,780 issued on Aug. 15, 2000 to Kreidt for a building construction device and process comprising a tie down bracket for securing a joist. Others exist but none provide multi-planar attachment for braces, beams and post from a singular initially flat piece of stock. The framing fastener of the instant invention is economical to manufacture and easy to use.

[0003] The citation of the foregoing publications is not an admission that any particular publication constitutes prior art, or that any publication alone or in conjunction with others, renders unpatentable any pending claim of the present application. None of the cited publications is believed to detract from the patentability of the claimed invention.

ADVANTAGES OF THIS INVENTION

[0004] Unlike the foregoing devices which teach structures that require the engagement of multiple pieces of material to form the bracketing device, the framing fastener of the instant invention is made from a singular initially flat piece of stock which can be folded as needed to create a multi-planar fastening device for connecting together two framing elements, such as a beam, a post, and a brace.

[0005] The framing fastener of the present invention can be easily made from a single piece of flat stock sheet medal which can be stamped or otherwise fabricated to create a desired shape with inwardly directed cuts. Fold lines can be incorporated by simply markings or by reducing the sheet thickness to facilitate bending. Bending the framing fastener from its original flat configuration may be done during manufacture or in the construction field. Added strength is achieved through the use of a single stock member.

[0006] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0007] Still other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The invention relates to a framing fastener for connecting a brace to a post or beam comprising a stiff sheet having a peripheral edge with the sheet having a primary area and at least one flap. The primary area includes a central flat portion extending from an edge of the at least one flap and at least one opposing side surface. The at least one opposing side surface extends from and is bendable to a first angle relative to the central flat portion. Each at least one flap is formed by a pair of spaced cuts extending inwardly from the peripheral edge, and each at least one flap is bendable to a second angle relative to the central flat portion. The at least one flap can be bent to the second angle relative to the central flat portion and attached to a portion of the at least one flat exterior surface of the first construction support member, the central flat portion can be attached to a portion of the at least one flat outer surface of the second construction support member, and each of the at least one opposing side surface can be bent to the first angle relative to the central flat portion and attached to a portion of one of the pair of outer side surfaces to fasten the first construction support member to the second construction support member.

[0009] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein:

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a framing fastener of the present invention showing a fastener with one flap;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a framing fastener of the present invention showing a fastener with one flap and a wedge welded between each of the edges of the flap cuts;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of two framing fasteners installed on a post and each supporting a brace;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of two framing fasteners installed on a post and beam with each framing fastener supporting an end of a brace;

[0015]FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the first preferred embodiment of the framing fastener connecting a brace to a post with nails shown as the means for attachment;

[0016]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the framing fastener showing opposing side surfaces in the shape of triangles;

[0017]FIG. 7 is a plan view of the first preferred embodiment of the framing fastener of FIG. 6 before angular bending of the opposing side surfaces and the flap relative to the central flat portion showing the inwardly extending cuts with blunt termini forming the flap;

[0018]FIG. 8 is perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the framing fastener connecting a brace to a post (both shown in phantom) with rectangular opposing side surfaces;

[0019]FIG. 9 is a plan view of the third preferred embodiment of the framing fastener of FIG. 8 before angular bending of the opposing side surfaces and the flap relative to the central flat portion showing a lateral dimension of the central flat portion greater than a transverse dimension between the spaced cuts defining the width of the flap;

[0020]FIG. 10 is perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the framing fastener connecting a brace to a post (both shown in phantom) with rectangular opposing side surfaces and two flaps;

[0021]FIG. 11 is a plan view of the fourth preferred embodiment of the framing fastener of FIG. 10 before angular bending of the opposing side surfaces and the flaps relative to the central flat portion showing a lateral dimension of the central flat portion equal to a transverse dimension between the spaced cuts of the flaps which are parallel to an edge of the periphery of a rectangular sheet;

[0022]FIG. 12 is perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the framing fastener connecting a brace to a post (both shown in phantom) with triangular opposing side surfaces and two flaps; and

[0023]FIG. 13 is a plan view of the fourth preferred embodiment of the framing fastener of FIG. 12 before angular bending of the opposing side surfaces and the flaps relative to the central flat portion showing the spaced cuts of the flaps which are oblique to an edge of the periphery of a rectangular sheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The invention relates to an apparatus for fastening framing members during construction. Without departing from the generality of the invention disclosed herein and without limiting the scope of the invention, the discussion that follows, will refer to the invention as depicted in the drawing.

[0025] The preferred embodiments of the apparatus depicted in the drawing comprise a framing fastener 1 for connecting a first construction support member 10 having at least one flat exterior surface 11 to a second construction support member 12 having at least one flat outer surface 13 and a pair of outer side surfaces 14 extending away from said at least one flat outer surface comprises a stiff sheet 2 having a peripheral edge 3. The sheet has a primary area and at least one flap 5. A flap is anything flat and broad that hangs loose and is attached at one end. The primary area includes a central flat portion 6 extending from an edge 32 of the flap and at least one opposing side surface 7. The at least one opposing side surface extends from and is bendable to a first angle 34 relative to the central flat portion 6.

[0026] Each at least one flap 5 is formed by a pair of spaced cuts 8 extending inwardly from the peripheral edge and is bendable to a second angle 36 relative to the central flat portion. Each at least one flap is adapted to overlie a portion of the at least one flat exterior surface 11 of the first construction support member 10. Moreover, the central flat portion 6 is adapted to overlie a portion of the at least one flat outer surface 13 of the second construction support member 12, and each of the opposing side surfaces 7 is adapted to respectively overlie a portion of each of the pair of outer side surfaces 14.

[0027] Another framing fastener 1 of this important invention for connecting a first construction support member 10 having at least one flat exterior surface 11 to a second construction support member 12 having at least one flat outer surface 13 and a pair of outer side surfaces 14 extending away from the at least one flat outer surface comprises a stiff sheet 2 having a peripheral edge 3, with the sheet having a primary area and at least one flap 5. The primary area includes a central flat portion 6 extending from an edge 32 of the at least one flap 5 and at least one opposing side surface 7. The at least one opposing side surface extends from and is bendable to a first angle 34 relative to the central flat portion 7.

[0028] Furthermore, each at least one flap 5 is formed by a pair of spaced cuts 8 extending inwardly from the peripheral edge 3, and each at least one flap is bendable to a second angle 36 relative to the central flat portion. In this way, the at least one flap 5 can be bent to the second angle 36 relative to the central flat portion 6 and attached to a portion of the at least one flat exterior surface 11 of the first construction support member 10, the central flat portion 6 can be attached to a portion of the at least one flat outer surface 13 of the second construction support member 12, and each of the at least one opposing side surface 7 can be bent to the first angle 34 relative to the central flat portion 6 and attached to a portion of one of the pair of outer side surfaces 14 to fasten the first construction support member 10 to the second construction support member 12.

[0029] A preferred embodiment of the framing fastener 1 for connecting a first construction support member having at least one flat exterior surface to a second construction support member having at least one flat outer surface and a pair of outer side surfaces extending away from the at least one flat outer surface comprises a stiff sheet 2 having a peripheral edge 3. The sheet has a primary area and a flap 5. The primary area includes a central flat portion 6 extending from an edge 32 of the flap 5 and has opposing side surfaces 7. The opposing side surfaces extend from and each is bendable along a first fold line 20 to a first angle 34 relative to the central flat portion 6.

[0030] The flap 5 is formed by a pair of spaced cuts 8 extending inwardly from the peripheral edge 3. Moreover, the flap 5 is bendable along a second fold line 21 to a second angle 36 relative to the central flat portion 6. In this way, the flap 5 can be bent to the second angle 36 relative to the central flat portion 6 and attached to a portion of the at least one flat exterior surface 11 of the first construction support member 10, the central flat portion 6 can be attached to a portion of the at least one flat outer surface 13 of the second construction support member 12, and each of the opposing side surfaces 7 can be bent to the first angle 34 relative to the central flat portion 6 and respectively attached to a portion of one of the pair of outer side surfaces 14 to fasten the first construction support member 10 to the second construction support member 12.

[0031] Preferably, the framing fastener 1 can be used with a first construction support member 10 having a pair of exterior side surfaces 30 and each of the bent opposing side surfaces 7 can be respectively attached to a portion of one of the pair of exterior side surfaces 30 to further secure the first construction support member 10 to the second construction support member 12.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 9, the framing fastener 1 may also have a lateral dimension 22 of the central flat portion 6 measured by the distance between the opposing side surfaces 7 is at least as great as a width of one of the at least one flat exterior surface 11 of the first construction support member 10 and a transverse dimension 24 between the spaced cuts 8 is less than a breath of the one of the at least one flat exterior surface 11 of the first construction support member 12. Alternatively, the framing fastener 1 may have a transverse dimension 24 between the spaced cuts 8 is equal to a lateral dimension 22 of the central flat portion measured by the distance between the opposing side surfaces and is at least as great as a width of the at least one flat outer surface of the second construction support member from which the pair of outer side surfaces extend, so that the opposing side surfaces of the framing fastener can be disposed proximate to the respective outer side surfaces of the pair of outer side surfaces of the second construction support member, as best seen in FIGS. 7, 11 and 13.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the framing fastener 1, the pair of spaced cuts 8 extending inwardly from the peripheral edge 3 are parallel, as shown in various figures of the drawing. Moreover, the sheet may be rectangular, as shown in FIGS. 9, 11 and 13, and each of the pair of spaced cuts 8 can be perpendicular to one of the sides of the sheet, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, or each of the pair of spaced cuts 8 can be obliquely angled relative to one of the sides of the sheet, as shown in FIG. 13. In either case, the at least one flap can further comprise two flaps, with each flap being disposed on an opposite end of the central flat portion of the sheet, as shown in FIGS. 10-13.

[0034] Varying configurations of the opposing side surfaces 7 may be employed having the shape of a right triangle (shown in FIGS. 1-7 and 12-13), a rectangle (shown in FIGS. 8-11), a semi-circle or other configuration meeting the needs of the fastening environment. One advantage of these configurations is that they can be adapted for a particular use, for example, two fasteners with triangular opposing side surfaces can be placed in an abutting position to support two braces as shown in FIG. 3.

[0035] Preferably, each of the pair of spaced cuts 8 of the framing fastener has a blunt terminus 26, as shown in FIG. 7. Rounding or otherwise softening the end of the cuts will provide a blunt terminus 26 for a framing fastener 1 that is less likely to fail.

[0036] The framing fastener 1 of the present invention may also be provided with a live hinge pivot means 28 for at least one of the first fold line 20 and the second fold line 21 to facilitate bending. The live hinge pivot means 28 may be easily and economically formed during the molding or stamping process by reducing the sheet thickness along the appropriate fold line.

[0037] As shown in the drawing, portions of the sheet 2 may be formed with a plurality of spaced holes 9 for receiving at least one of a nail 38, screw and staple for attaching the framing fastener to one of the first construction support member and the second construction support member. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the plurality of holes need not extend over that portion of the opposing side surfaces which abut the exterior side surfaces unless the surfaces are to be attached. Building code requirements in varying jurisdictions will dictate the manner in which the construction support members need to be nailed, screwed, stapled, or otherwise attached to the bracket of the instant invention and the framing fastener can be manufactured with varying hole configurations to accommodate such requirements.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, 8, 10 and 12, the first angle 34 to which the opposing side surfaces 7 can be bent relative to the central flat portion 6 is preferably 90 degrees and the second angle 36 to which the flap 5 can be bent relative to the central flat portion is preferably 45 degrees. In this way, a brace disposed at a 45 degree angle between a vertical post and a horizontal beam can be secured on each end to the post and beam respectively by the framing fastener.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the framing fastener 1 of the present invention may further comprise a pair of triangular wedges 16, each of said pair of triangular wedges having a first edge 17 and a second edge 19 and having a third angle there between. The third angle is equal to the second angle 36 between the flap 5 and the central flat portion 6 of the sheet 2. Each of said pair of triangular wedges 16 is disposed between an edge of the flap and an edge of the central flat portion from which the edge of the flap was cut, with the first edge 17 of the wedge being attached to one of the edge of the flap and the edge of the central flat portion from which the edge of the flap was cut, and with the second edge 19 of the wedge being attached to the other of the edge of the flap and the edge of the central flat portion from which the edge of the flap was cut. Preferably, the respective edges of the wedge and the sheet are welded together, as shown by the weld bead 18 in FIG. 2.

[0040] It is contemplated that the framing fastener of the present invention can be easily made from flat stock sheet medal which can be stamped or otherwise fabricated to create a desired shape with inwardly directed cuts and thickness reduced live hinge pivot means to facilitate bending which may be done during manufacture or in the construction field. It is also contemplated that a flexibly rigid plastic of suitable strength may be employed. Moreover, as flexible materials sheets continue to generate suitable strength characteristics they may be employed as well.

[0041] While this invention has been described in connection with the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out his invention, the preferred embodiments described and shown are for purposes of illustration only, and are not to be construed as constituting any limitations of the invention. Modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and all modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is base, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scop of the present invention.

[0042] My invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combinations of some or all of them herein disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the prior art in these particular combinations of some or all of its structures for the functions specified.

[0043] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0044] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:
 1. A framing fastener for connecting a first construction support member having at least one flat exterior surface to a second construction support member having at least one flat outer surface and a pair of outer side surfaces extending away from said at least one flat outer surface comprising: a stiff sheet having a peripheral edge, said sheet having a primary area and at least one flap, said primary area including a central flat portion extending from an edge of the flap and at least one opposing side surface, said at least one opposing side surface extending from and being bendable to a first angle relative to the central flat portion, each at least one flap being formed by a pair of spaced cuts extending inwardly from the peripheral edge, each at least one flap being bendable to a second angle relative to said central flat portion and being adapted to overlie a portion of the at least one flat exterior surface of the first construction support member, said central flat portion being adapted to overlie a portion of the at least one flat outer surface of the second construction support member, and each of said opposing side surfaces being adapted to respectively overlie a portion of each of the pair of outer side surfaces.
 2. A framing fastener for connecting a first construction support member having at least one flat exterior surface to a second construction support member having at least one flat outer surface and a pair of outer side surfaces extending away from said at least one flat outer surface comprising: a stiff sheet having a peripheral edge, said sheet having a primary area and at least one flap, said primary area including a central flat portion extending from an edge of the at least one flap and at least one opposing side surface, said at least one opposing side surface extending from and being bendable to a first angle relative to the central flat portion, each at least one flap being formed by a pair of spaced cuts extending inwardly from the peripheral edge, and each at least one flap being bendable to a second angle relative to said central flat portion, whereby, said at least one flap can be bent to the second angle relative to said central flat portion and attached to a portion of the at least one flat exterior surface of the first construction support member, the central flat portion can be attached to a portion of the at least one flat outer surface of the second construction support member, and each of the at least one opposing side surface can be bent to the first angle relative to the central flat portion and attached to a portion of one of the pair of outer side surfaces to fasten the first construction support member to the second construction support member.
 3. A framing fastener for connecting a first construction support member having at least one flat exterior surface to a second construction support member having at least one flat outer surface and a pair of outer side surfaces extending away from said at least one flat outer surface comprising: a stiff sheet having a peripheral edge, said sheet having a primary area and a flap, said primary area including a central flat portion extending from an edge of the flap and having opposing side surfaces, said opposing side surfaces extending from and each being bendable along a first fold line to a first angle relative to the central flat portion, said flap being formed by a pair of spaced cuts extending inwardly from the peripheral edge, and said flap being bendable along a second fold line to a second angle relative to said central flat portion, whereby, said flap can be bent to the second angle relative to said central flat portion and attached to a portion of the at least one flat exterior surface of the first construction support member, the central flat portion can be attached to a portion of the at least one flat outer surface of the second construction support member, and each of the opposing side surfaces can be bent to the first angle relative to the central flat portion and respectively attached to a portion of one of the pair of outer side surfaces to fasten the first construction support member to the second construction support member.
 4. The framing fastener of claim 3, wherein the first construction support member has a pair of exterior side surfaces and each of the bent opposing side surfaces can be respectively attached to a portion of one of the pair of exterior side surfaces to further secure the first construction support member to the second construction support member.
 5. The framing fastener of claim 3, wherein a lateral dimension of the central flat portion measured by the distance between the opposing side surfaces is at least as great as a width of one of the at least one flat exterior surface of the first construction support member and a transverse dimension between the spaced cuts is less than a breath of said one of the at least one flat exterior surface of the first construction support member.
 6. The framing fastener of claim 3, wherein a transverse dimension between the spaced cuts is equal to a lateral dimension of the central flat portion measured by the distance between the opposing side surfaces and is at least as great as a width of the at least one flat outer surface of the second construction support member from which the pair of outer side surfaces extend, so that the opposing side surfaces of the framing fastener can be disposed proximate to the respective outer side surfaces of the pair of outer side surfaces of the second construction support member.
 7. The framing fastener of claim 2, wherein the pair of spaced cuts extending inwardly from the peripheral edge are parallel.
 8. The framing fastener of claim 2, wherein the sheet is rectangular.
 9. The framing fastener of claim 8, wherein each of the pair of spaced cuts is perpendicular to one of the sides of the sheet.
 10. The framing fastener of claim 9, wherein the at least one flap comprises two flap, each flap being disposed on an opposite end of the central flat portion of the sheet.
 11. The framing fastener of claim 8, wherein each of the pair of spaced cuts is obliquely angled relative to one of the sides of the sheet.
 12. The framing fastener of claim 11, wherein the at least one flap comprises two flap, each flap being disposed on an opposite end of the central flat portion of the sheet.
 13. The framing fastener of claim 3, wherein each of the opposing side surfaces has the shape of a right triangle.
 14. The framing fastener of claim 3, wherein each of the opposing side surfaces has the shape of a rectangle.
 15. The framing fastener of claim 3, wherein each of the pair of spaced cuts has a blunt terminus.
 16. The framing fastener of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first fold line and the second fold line comprise a live hinge pivot means to facilitate bending.
 17. The framing fastener of claim 2, wherein the sheet has a plurality of spaced holes for receiving at least one of a nail, screw and staple for attaching the framing fastener to one of the first construction support member and the second construction support member.
 18. The framing fastener of claim 3, wherein the first angle to which the opposing side surfaces can be bent relative to the central flat portion is 90 degrees and wherein the second angle to which the flap can be bent relative to said central flat portion is 45 degrees, whereby, a brace disposed at a 45 degree angle between a vertical post and a horizontal beam can be secured on each end to the post and beam respectively by said framing fastener.
 19. The framing fastener of claim 3, further comprising a pair of triangular wedges, each of said pair of triangular wedges having a first edge and a second edge and having a third angle there between, said third angle being equal to the second angle between the flap and the central flat portion, each of said pair of triangular wedges being disposed between an edge of the flap and an edge of the central flat portion from which the edge of the flap was cut, with the first edge of the wedge being attached to one of the edge of the flap and the edge of the central flat portion from which the edge of the flap was cut, and with the second edge of the wedge being attached to the other of the edge of the flap and the edge of the central flat portion from which the edge of the flap was cut.
 20. The framing fastener of claim 20, wherein the respective edges of the wedge and the sheet are welded together. 